Inflammation of the intervertebral disc symptoms. Spondylosis and spondylodiscitis

Recently, more and more people are turning to medical institutions with complaints of pain in the spine. The cause of such disorders is very often deforming spondylodiscitis, as well as spondylosis. Diseases are characterized by changes in the vertebrae, leading to deviations in the spinal canal and intervertebral discs.

Spondylosis is a disease in which pathological bone formations form at the edges of the vertebral bodies. The violation is a consequence of the deformation of the vertebrae themselves and a complication of other diseases of the back. Very often, this disease is diagnosed - deforming spondylosis.

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A disease such as spondylosis deformans causes the growth of spikes and protrusions on the vertebrae, provoking a narrowing of the intervertebral foramen and spinal canal. These processes are called osteophytes. Deforming spondylosis leads to limited mobility, curvature and inflammation of the entire spinal column.

Inflammation in the intervertebral discs provokes the development of other, more serious problems. So, one of the consequences of the development of the disease is an infectious disease - spondylodiscitis. It develops as a result of deformities occurring as a result of progressive spondylosis. Damage to the intervertebral discs is more difficult up to atrophy bone marrow.

Diseases associated with the spine, and especially with the vertebrae, are most often the result of heavy physical exertion and back injuries. Therefore, the most the best prevention regular gymnastics can become and avoid heavy loads on the back, and especially on the lower back.

signs

It is quite difficult to detect spinal spondylosis or spondylodiscitis at the initial stage, since the symptoms pathological abnormalities are similar to other diseases of the spine.

Only a specialist can diagnose the presence of deviations with the help of a special medical technology. Signs of the presence of inflammatory processes in the body may indicate the development various diseases. Therefore, in order to avoid improper treatment, the patient must undergo a complete examination by a doctor and examination.

Deforming spondylosis provokes certain symptoms, depending on the stage of its development. There are three stages, each of which manifests itself more strongly than the previous one. According to the results medical research A number of common features have been identified:

manifestation pain in the area of inflammation of one of the branches of the spinal column;
the spread of pain in the neck, head and limbs;
limitation of muscle activity;
problems with spinal movements;
reflex muscle tension;
possible increased kyphosis and lordosis.

Spondylosis leads to accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles and spasm blood capillaries. For this reason, the most obvious symptoms, these are painful sensations and muscle contractions. With the development of the second and third stages of the disease, symptoms such as metabolic disturbances throughout the body, weakness and deterioration in general health appear.

If a disease such as deforming spondylosis has not been stopped by timely diagnosis and treatment, then the disease may develop - spondylodiscitis.

The symptoms of this disease are much more severe. If, after the first symptoms appear, you do not seek medical advice medical care, then spondylodiscitis has an enhanced manifestation with progressive consequences.

In most cases, spondylodiscitis provokes symptoms:

weight loss, reaching anorexia;
paresis;
fever;
paralysis;
painful sensations.

Pain in this disease, in most cases, occurs in the lower back and sacral region spine. Spreading to the abdomen, thighs and buttocks. Symptoms may appear from one week to one month.

Most often, spondylodiscitis entails inflammatory and antiseptic processes. Such violations lead to very serious consequences, up to the development purulent processes in the vertebrae.

Symptoms of diseases can manifest themselves in different parts of the spine, having different intensity. Each violation has its own characteristics, however, with any pathology of the spinal column, there are necessarily painful sensations in the back, radiating to different parts of the body. Pain affects general state organism, significantly weakening it. The weakness from which the patient suffers can lead to dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, ringing in the ears, migraines and other ailments.

The consequences of diseases of the spine can be very serious and lead to the development of other diseases. Therefore, as soon as the first symptoms of diseases such as spondylosis and spondylodiscitis appear, it is necessary to immediately seek help from medical specialists. A correct diagnosis facilitates and speeds up the treatment process.

In no case should one engage in self-diagnosis and self-treatment with the development of diseases of the spinal column. Misdiagnosis or a method of treatment, even exercise therapy, without a doctor's recommendation, lead to more serious disorders, up to lethal outcome. The spine is the basis of the musculoskeletal system, therefore, inflammation in any part of it should be taken very seriously.

No need to treat joints with pills!

Have you ever experienced unpleasant joint discomfort, annoying back pain? Judging by the fact that you are reading this article, you or your loved ones are faced with this problem. And you know firsthand what it is.

Spondylitis is an inflammatory disease of the spine, which is accompanied by the destruction of the vertebral bodies, damage to the joints and ligaments. Pathology occurs in 5% of cases of all diseases of the spinal column, more often occurs in male patients. Not timely treatment spondylitis leads to deformity and disruption motor activity spine. IN international classification disease of the latest release (ICD 10), the disease was assigned the code M44-M49.

Causes

Spondylitis in most cases is secondary in nature - it develops against the background of other diseases. The cause of the disease is pathogenic microorganisms, which are brought into the vertebral bodies from the primary focus of infection with the flow of blood or lymph. In some cases, the disease appears against the background of aseptic inflammation (without the participation of bacteria) after injuries and autoimmune lesions of the spinal column.

Depending on the nature of the infection that led to the appearance of the pathological process, spondylitis can be specific and nonspecific. Specific damage to the spinal column is caused by pathogens of tuberculosis, brucellosis, syphilis, gonorrhea, less often typhoid and actinomycosis (fungi). Nonspecific inflammation of the spine develops under the influence of nonspecific pathogenic microflora - streptococcus, staphylococcus, Escherichia coli.

Smoothing physiological curves spinal column - a consequence of spondylitis

In 40% of cases of spondylitis, a tuberculous form of the disease is registered, which occurs against the background of pulmonary tuberculosis or tuberculosis of the bones. Inflammation of the vertebrae can be autoimmune and non-infectious. The autoimmune process appears against the background of a predisposition to rheumatic diseases and hereditary features work of the immune system. Non-infectious or aseptic inflammation occurs as a result of back injuries or regular overstrain of the spinal column associated with professional activities or sports.

Due to the influence of infectious and autoimmune factors, areas of necrosis (necrosis) of bone tissue are formed in the vertebral body. The work of the intervertebral joints and ligamentous apparatus is disrupted, the mobility of the spine decreases and its deformation occurs.

The affected vertebrae take on a wedge-shaped shape, which leads to compression of the spinal cord and the appearance of compression fractures. Ankylosis of the joints, the formation of osteophytes, a decrease in the elasticity of the ligaments due to the inflammatory process, leads to the formation of immobility of the spine and smoothing of physiological curves. Deformation of the spinal column and chest disrupts the functioning of the lungs and heart.

Classification

Depending on the cause of the appearance of spondylitis, several forms of the disease are distinguished, which differ in the nature of the course, as well as methods of diagnosis and treatment.

Types of specific lesions of the spinal column.

Tuberculous (Pott's disease) - more common in childhood and adolescence, affects mainly the cervical spine with subluxation of the atlanto-axial joints. .
Brucellosis - characterized by a combined lesion of the spinal column in the lumbar region, genital area, nervous and of cardio-vascular system.
Actinomycotic- accompanied by damage to the periosteum with the formation of fistulas and the release of white exudate.
Syphilitic - occurs with the tertiary form of the disease, is localized in the cervical spine, has a chronic course, is accompanied by the formation of swell abscesses.
Gonorrheal - occurs against the background of a sexual infection, develops in the lumbar spine as sciatica.

Vertebral deformity causes compression of the spinal cord

Kinds nonspecific lesion spinal column.

Ankylosing (Bekhterev's disease) - belongs to the group rheumatic diseases, often found in the background rheumatoid arthritis, leads to immobility of the spine and impaired motor activity, progresses from the lower sections of the spinal column to the upper sections.
Psoriatic - occurs against the background of a severe course of psoriasis, which appears with an autoimmune skin lesion.
Reactive - occurs when the immune system malfunctions after infection with a sexual or intestinal infection, the lumbar spine is affected in the region of the iliac-sacral joints.
Aseptic (Kümmel's disease) - inflammation of the vertebrae is not associated with an infectious process, but develops as a result of back injuries, which leads to bone necrosis.
Hematogenous (osteomyelitis of the spine) - occurs due to a staphylococcal infection, which is introduced into the vertebrae along blood vessels from the primary centers.

Infectious and non-infectious spondylitis requires the appointment of complex treatment in the early stages of the onset of the disease. Timely therapy helps to avoid the formation of irreversible anatomical and functional consequences - deformation and immobilization of the spinal column.

Clinical picture

The main symptom of spondylitis, regardless of the cause of the disease, is pain in the area of damage to the vertebrae. Pain syndrome increases with movement of the spine and palpation of the localization of the pathological process. In the ankylosing form of the disease, back discomfort increases at night, which disrupts sleep and causes mental exhaustion.

Appearance of a patient suffering from spondylitis

Symptoms of infectious spondylitis:

pain in the affected spine, which increases with movement;
reddening of the skin, an increase in local temperature in the area of pathology;
purulent inflammation with the formation of abscesses, phlegmon and fistulas in the back;
fever, sweating, chills, loss of appetite, weight loss.

Symptoms of non-infectious spondylitis:

pain in the affected area of the spinal column, which increases at night and during movement;
stiffness in the spine, especially in the morning;
a feeling of stiffness appears earlier than pain;
damage to the joints of the hands and feet.

Consequences of spondylitis:

smoothness of the bends of the spinal column;
spinal deformity, change in posture, formation of pathological kyphosis in thoracic region(hump);
compression fractures;
change in the shape of the chest, pelvic tilt;
dysfunction of the lungs, heart, pelvic organs;
amyloidosis;
sepsis;
limb paralysis.

Vertebral fracture on x-ray

Deformation of the spine contributes to the infringement of the nerve roots and the development of neurological symptoms. Compression of the nerves in the cervical region leads to disruption of the blood supply to the brain. This causes headaches, dizziness, nausea, deterioration of visual acuity and hearing. Infringement in the thoracic region causes a violation of sensitivity in the hands, the appearance of parasthesia (numbness and tingling of the fingers), muscle weakness upper limbs. The defeat of the lumbar contributes to the deterioration of the sensitivity of the lower extremities, weakness in the legs, incontinence of feces and urine.

Diagnostics

Upon initial contact with medical institution the doctor collects the patient's complaints, finds out the possible cause of the disease, conducts an objective examination of the site of the pathology, assesses the mobility of the spine and the severity of neurological symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis, laboratory and instrumental methods of examination are prescribed.

Complete blood count - reveals signs of inflammation in the body (leukocytosis, neutrophilia, shift of the leukocyte formula to the left, increased ESR).
Biochemical blood test - reveals markers of inflammation (sialic acids, seromucoid, C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor).
Serological blood test - detects antibodies to a specific pathogenic microflora.
Radiography of the spine - reveals damage to bone tissue, wedge-shaped destruction of the vertebrae, the formation of compression fractures.
Computed tomography (CT) - with high precision determines the site of destruction of the vertebrae, is prescribed in difficult diagnostic cases.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - allows you to identify the pathological process in the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, soft tissues (ligaments, muscles, nerve roots).
Biopsy of the vertebra in the affected area - helps to clarify the cause of the disease and monitor the treatment of the pathology.

Deformation of the vertebrae in the lower parts of the spinal column on MRI

In seronegative autoimmune diseases, inflammatory changes are usually not detected in the blood. Diagnosis is based on clinical findings and instrumental methods examinations.

Medical tactics

Spondylitis is treated with conservative methods. In advanced cases of the disease with destruction of the vertebrae and deformation of the spine, surgical intervention. Medical therapy can be supplemented folk remedies to improve the effectiveness of treatment.

Conservative therapy of the disease includes:

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have an anti-inflammatory effect, reduce body temperature, eliminate pain - nimesulide, ibuprofen, movalis, diclofenac;
steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (glucocorticoids) have a powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect - metipred, prednisolone, kenalog;
broad-spectrum antibiotics (fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins) for the destruction of pathogenic bacteria - ceftriaxone, norfloxacin, cefixime;
infusion solutions to reduce intoxication of the body - isotonic solution, glucose, Ringer's solution;
herbal teas based on calendula, ledum, calamus root and licorice;
physiotherapy to normalize blood flow, metabolism and increase the healing abilities of tissues - electrophoresis with novocaine, phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, UHF;
back massage to relax spasmodic muscles, improve blood flow and nutrition of the spine.

Balneotherapy is prescribed in recovery period disease

With inefficiency conservative treatment And severe course pathologies with the occurrence of abscesses and purulent swells, an operation is prescribed. Pus and areas of necrotic tissue are removed, destroyed vertebrae are restored using implants. During the period of remission of the acute process, sanatorium- spa treatment with the use of balneotherapy (recovery with the help of mineral waters).

Spondylitis is an inflammatory disease of the vertebrae, which is accompanied by their destruction and deformation of the spinal column. Treatment for early stages disease leads to recovery. The progression of the pathology causes anatomical and functional disorders of the spine, deterioration of motor function and leads to the development of disability.

All of the above leads to spondylitis. Spondylitis - inflammation, later with deformative processes in the spine and the destruction of the vertebrae themselves.

Spondylitis is divided into two types, specific (of an infectious nature) or nonspecific.

The classification of specific spondylitis includes tuberculous, less often gonorrheal, typhoid, actinomycotic, brucellosis and syphilitic nature of origin. Accordingly, their development is directly related to the primary source of the lesion.

Nonspecific are: rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, Reiter's syndrome, gout and pseudogout, ankylosing spondylitis (Bekhterev's disease) and in some cases purulent spondylitis.

Purulent spondylitis

The current ecology, the wrong way of life, genetic abnormalities- this is a small part of the factors that lead the spine to inflammation. On this moment the purulent form of spondylitis is little known to most doctors and therefore mistakes are made in the diagnosis. Unfortunately, this factor is fatal, although the disease is curable.

Risk group

The group most susceptible to this type of disease age category from 20 to 40 years old. It can be provoked by such factors:

Symptoms

The main symptom is limited pain in the spinal column, which covers 2-3 segments. Over time, the pain will increase from moderate to unbearable, thus the patient loses the ability to move.

The diagnosis is made on the basis of x-ray data, general urine and blood tests, blood culture, puncture biopsy and computed tomography. Based on the diagnosis, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory therapy are prescribed.

Complications

Against the background of purulent spondylitis, other diseases often appear, also associated with inflammatory processes in the structure of the spine:

compression radicular syndrome - detected in a quarter of cases, against the background of purulent osteomyelitis;
osteomyelitis of high craniospinal concentration with involvement of the condyles of the occipital bone.
development of torticollis with immobility of the head or Grisel's syndrome (timely treatment with antibiotics for at least four weeks is necessary, if worsening, surgical intervention is prescribed);
epidural abscess, affects from 4 to 40% of patients with purulent osteomyelitis, in acute form surgical intervention is necessary.
sluggish inflammatory process in the epidural and subarachnoid plane, occurs on poorly curable purulent spondylitis, which ultimately leads to lameness and disability of the patient.

Tuberculous spondylitis

Provocateur this disease is the Koch wand. Having got through the blood into the spine, it grows and multiplies there for several years absolutely asymptomatically. The vertebrae are destroyed one by one and seem to melt, then the intervertebral disc is affected, all cavities are filled with pus.

Risk group

Get sick with this form of spondylitis:

people with oncological diseases and undergoing hormone therapy;
children, adolescents and adults with chronic diseases;
patients with disorders in the endocrine system;
patients undergoing organ transplantation;
as well as those who live in an environment of unhealthy epidemiological influence or in unsanitary conditions.

Three types of this inflammation of the spine are classified - cervical, thoracic, lumbosacral.

Symptoms

Symptoms - pain in the chest, cough, with sputum with an admixture of blood, malaise, weakness, fatigue, distraction, headaches, nausea, temperature 37-37.5.

With an untimely diagnosis, the following symptoms occur:

severe pain in the spine;
spinal deformity;
inflammation in the cervical region leads to loss of consciousness, dizziness and heaviness when walking;
with damage to the thoracic region - numbness of the hands, pain with deep breath and tingling;
in the lumbosacral zone, there is a violation of the functions of the intestinal and genitourinary system, pain, numbness and tingling of the lower extremities.

In an even more advanced form, the Potato Triad syndrome manifests itself:

abscess;
hump formation;
complete failure motor functions hands and feet.

Diagnostics

general tests (blood and urine);
glucose analysis;
biochemical analyzes;
proteinogram;
research of immunoglobulins;
rheumatological tests;
radiography;
CT scan;
MRI and ultrasound of the spine.

Treatment

Rifampicin; Isoniazid; Streptomycin; Diclofenac; Meloxicam; Lornoxicam; ibuprofen; Nimesulide; Prednisolone; B vitamins and Neurobion. In case of incorrect or untimely treatment of the patient, a fatal outcome is possible.

Brucella spondylitis

This type of spondylitis occurs through contact with pets. The disease is associated with professional activities - veterinarians, shepherds and farmers are most often exposed to this type of inflammation.

The microorganism Brucella is transmitted by air, food and contact. It affects the musculoskeletal, nervous and other systems of the human body. The disease is not contagious. The period of intensive formation is from 2 weeks to 2 months. At this time, the patient suffers from headaches, anemia, sweating, lymphopenia, lymphocytosis and monocytosis.

Treatment

During the recurrent course, purulent foci form in the joints, muscles, bones and ligaments. Brucellosis spondylitis is treated primarily with antibiotics, but if it has become chronic, treatment must be carried out in a hospital infectious department. The disease affects two or more vertebrae, mainly in the lumbar region, less often in the cervical, manifests itself during movement and even at rest.

Often, complications associated with the destruction of the spine are not observed. The inflammatory process passes after a few months, of course, residual effects are possible in the form of painful or limited mobility of a person.

This type of spondylitis can develop in any person. Most often, people with weakened immunity, after organ transplantation or other surgical interventions, as well as in the presence of malignant tumors, are susceptible to it.

The cause of inflammation of the spine are fungi:

Candida;
Cryptococci;
Actinomycetes;
Echinococcus (carriers of cats, dogs, foxes).

Treatment

Treatment includes the administration of antimycotic drugs. With a complication, surgical intervention is required to remove cysts that grow in the body of the spine and not only. Before and after the operation, the drug Albendazole is prescribed, which is more effective in this disease.

Bechterew's disease (ankylosing spondylitis)

Inflammation of the joints of the spine or Bechterov's disease, most often formed at the age of one year, is asymptomatic and imperceptible long time. The inflammatory process most often originates in the lumbosacral part and then captures the disks of the thoracic and cervical spine.

Symptoms

morning stiffness;
pain in the pelvic area, buttocks and lower back;
pain worsens even at rest;
tilts to the right, left and forward are very difficult, as the flexibility of the spine is lost;
loss of mobility and flexibility is also observed in the thoracic and cervical region;
redness and swelling appear on the inflamed joints;
violation respiratory function, due to the limited mobility of the chest (possible development of inflammatory processes in the lungs);
in an advanced form, the spine is deformed, the vertebrae fuse together, as a result, the entire column resembles a curved bamboo stick, the disease also affects the heart, kidneys, lungs and eyes.

Treatment

Spondyloarthritis is treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for a long time. Of course, it is completely impossible to cure, but it is quite possible to stop and delay the development of the disease with the help of drug treatment.

Thorough diagnosis of the patient's condition, the correct integrated approach in combination with methods traditional medicine, and if necessary, surgical intervention - help restore the health and ability to work of a person with inflammation of the spine.

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The information on the site is provided for informational purposes only, does not claim to be reference and medical accuracy, does not

is a guide to action. Do not self-medicate. Consult with your physician.

Definition

hypothermia;
spinal injury;

Symptoms

paresis or paralysis;
violation of muscle tone.

tuberculous

Aseptic

Diagnostics

Etiological treatment

Pathogenetic therapy

Symptomatic therapy

Physiotherapy methods

Conclusion

The information is given for general information only and should not be used for self-treatment.

Do not self-medicate, it can be dangerous. Always consult your doctor.

Symptoms and treatment of inflammation of the spine

Inflammation of the spine is the term most often used to mean spondylitis, which occurs in a chronic form and leads to the destruction and deformation of the vertebral bodies. An inflammatory process can occur in the region of the vertebrae and in the event of a little-studied Bechterew's disease, which is also called ankylosing spondylitis. This group also includes osteomyelitis of the spinal column, in which the process begins in the bone marrow, and then gradually passes to the vertebrae themselves.

Etiology and pathogenesis

The human vertebral bodies are well supplied with blood, and because of this, it is relatively easy for microorganisms to penetrate through the arteries into the vertebrae themselves and the bone marrow. In this case, the source of infection may be in bladder, in the prostate. This inflammation is most often found in older people. No less often the cause of infection in the spine is endocarditis, infectious process in soft tissues, for example - abscesses and boils.

The source of the initial infection is usually easy to find. Most often, osteomyelitis develops in diabetes mellitus, in those who constantly undergo hemodialysis, and in those people who take drugs intravenously. However, in some cases, the infection can be caused by surgery on the spine, for example, to remove a herniated disc.

The most severe disease can be considered the one that arose with purulent osteomyelitis and purulent spondylitis. In this case, all bone tissue is damaged. And the causative agents here are most often staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus and other microbes. Most often, the hematogenous route of infection occurs in the presence of an abscess, boil, or even angina, but most often this condition occurs with sepsis. In addition, the inflammatory process in the spine can begin when it is injured, for example, with a knife or gunshot. Such inflammation of the spine is called aseptic.

Specific species

Most often, inflammation of the tuberculosis nature is diagnosed. In this case, one vertebra is first affected, and then the inflammation passes to the neighboring ones. This disease is terrible because after a while the tissues of the vertebrae begin to gradually atrophy, necrotic and disintegrate. All this is accompanied by edema of the spinal cord, which is compressed by destroyed masses and purulent swells. This leads to curvature and the development of a hump.

The very first symptom in this case is pain, which intensifies as the destructive process develops. Initially, it occurs only at night and has an unclear localization. Pain can radiate to the legs and arms, and this is often confused with neuritis or intercostal neuralgia. Gradually, the pains become more intense and intense, and the person finally goes to the doctor, where he is given a disappointing diagnosis.

What other types of spinal inflammation exist?

Luetic spondylitis, which is a complication of syphilis.
Brucella spondylitis.
Typhoid spondylitis.
Rheumatic spondylitis.

All these diseases have their own symptoms and diagnostic indicators. And inflammation of the cervical spine most often manifests itself in the form of arthritis. The main symptom here is pain, and the cause can be herniated discs, the formation of a spur, or degenerative and age-related changes. In addition, symptoms of the disease can be a crunch in the vertebrae when turning the head, stiffness in the neck, cramps and weakness in the arms.

Therapy

Spinal inflammation is treated with antibiotics. Among them, the drugs of choice should be cephalothin, cephaloridine, gentamicin, kanamycin. If diagnosed staph infection, then erythromycin, oleandomycin, fusidine and lincomycin are used. If the disease is severe, then 2 or even 3 drugs are prescribed at the same time.

Strict bed rest. To combat pain, modern painkillers are used. In some cases, narcotic analgesics may also be required.

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Spondylosis and spondylodiscitis. Symptoms

Inflammation of the intervertebral discs

Diseases associated with the spine, and especially with the vertebrae, are most often the result of heavy physical exertion and back injuries. Therefore, regular gymnastics and avoiding heavy loads on the back area, and especially on the lower back, can become the best prevention.

signs

It is rather difficult to detect spinal spondylosis or spondylodiscitis at the initial stage, since the symptoms of pathological abnormalities are similar to other diseases of the spine.

Only a specialist with the help of special medical equipment can diagnose the presence of deviations. Signs of the presence of inflammatory processes in the body may indicate the development of various diseases. Therefore, in order to avoid improper treatment, the patient must undergo a complete examination by a doctor and examination.

Deforming spondylosis provokes certain symptoms, depending on the stage of its development. There are three stages, each of which manifests itself more strongly than the previous one. According to the results of medical research, a number of common signs have been identified:

the manifestation of pain in the area of inflammation of one of the branches of the spinal column;
the spread of pain in the neck, head and limbs;
limitation of muscle activity;
problems with spinal movements;
reflex muscle tension;
possible increased kyphosis and lordosis.

Spondylosis leads to accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles and spasm of blood capillaries. For this reason, the most obvious symptoms are soreness and muscle contractions. With the development of the second and third stages of the disease, symptoms such as metabolic disturbances throughout the body, weakness and deterioration in general health appear.

If a disease such as deforming spondylosis has not been stopped by timely diagnosis and treatment, then the development of the disease is possible - spondylodiscitis.

The symptoms of this disease are much more severe. If, after the first symptoms appear, you do not seek medical help, then spondylodiscitis has an enhanced manifestation with progressive consequences.

In most cases, spondylodiscitis provokes symptoms:

weight loss, reaching anorexia;
paresis;
fever;
paralysis;
painful sensations.

Pain in this disease, in most cases, occurs in the lower back and sacral spine. Spreading to the abdomen, thighs and buttocks. Symptoms may appear from one week to one month.

Most often, spondylodiscitis entails inflammatory and antiseptic processes. Such violations lead to very serious consequences, up to the development of purulent processes in the vertebrae.

Symptoms of diseases can manifest themselves in different parts of the spine, with different intensity. Each violation has its own characteristics, however, with any pathology of the spinal column, there are necessarily painful sensations in the back, radiating to different parts of the body. Painful sensations affect the general condition of the body, significantly weakening it. The weakness from which the patient suffers can lead to dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, ringing in the ears, migraines and other ailments.

In no case should one engage in self-diagnosis and self-treatment with the development of diseases of the spinal column. An incorrect diagnosis or method of treatment, even exercise therapy, without a doctor's recommendation, leads to more serious disorders, even death. The spine is the basis of the musculoskeletal system, therefore, inflammation in any part of it should be taken very seriously.

No need to treat joints with pills!

inability to move easily and comfortably;
discomfort when going up and down stairs;
unpleasant crunch, clicking not of their own free will;
pain during or after exercise;
inflammation in the joints and swelling;
unreasonable and sometimes unbearable aching pain in the joints.

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All articles posted on the site are for informational purposes only. We strongly recommend that you apply medicines and holding medical examination contact a qualified doctor! Do not self-medicate!

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Intervertebral discs are soft tissue that connects the vertebrae and separates them from each other. It is thanks to them that a person can make such movements as turns or bends, that is, in essence, the intervertebral discs are the shock absorbers of our body. Discitis is an inflammation of the soft connective tissue. This is enough rare disease, which, however, can occur in any person, regardless of gender and age, although discitis is extremely rare in young children.

Discitis is usually diagnosed in people who have undergone surgery on the spine. This occurs when there is a violation of asepsis. Pathogenic microflora enters the tissue, which penetrates into the vertebral tissues and joints, causing an inflammatory process.

Discitis is not a dangerous disease that usually resolves without complications for the spine and without harming the human neurological system.

There are several types of discitis: septic, infectious, lumbar and osteomyelitis discitis.

Symptoms

Symptoms may vary depending on the type of discitis. However, there are a number of signs that are characteristic of each form of the disease. The main symptom is the appearance of a sharp acute pain in the back, which occurs against the background of a feverish state of a person and elevated temperature body. At the same time, a person hardly makes the simplest movements, practically cannot walk. There is a lack of appetite, increased sweating.

In osteomyelitis discitis, bone tissue is damaged, which can cause paralysis.

Treatment

Treatment of discitis is multi-stage. The patient must be immobilized, as in a state of complete rest and in horizontal position it is easier for the body to fight infection, and it is easier for the spine to restore its original structure. For treatment, it is necessary to undergo a course of antibiotic therapy. If the cause of discitis is an autoimmune disease, then it is necessary to fight the underlying disease with the use of anti-inflammatory and immune preparations. Within two weeks there is an improvement, the person can begin to move, but wearing a rigid corset is necessary.

Survey

Diagnosis of discitis is based on x-ray, CT, or MRI imaging. They can be carried out using contrast medium or without it.

Blood tests will show the number of leukocytes in the blood and the rate of sedimentation, which must be monitored

Discitis (inflammation of the intervertebral discs)

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Take care of your health, do not self-medicate. In case of any suspicion of a disease, consult a doctor.

Inflammation of the spine symptoms and treatment

How to treat inflammation of the spine

Inflammation of the spine occurs either due to an infectious or degenerative-dystrophic process of the spine. Usually, the inflammatory focus affects the nerves, because of which the patient suffers from pain, impaired mobility and sensitivity. In the treatment of such symptoms, one cannot rely on own forces and folk recipes. If left untreated, inflammation of the spine can lead to severe complications. Therefore, if you suspect inflammation, consult a doctor as soon as possible. After he establishes an accurate diagnosis, you will be offered the treatment methods that are suitable for your case.

infectious inflammation

The spinal column is designed in such a way that it is easy for bacteria to penetrate into it. The vertebral bodies receive nutrients through many capillaries from the arteries that run along the spine. The intervertebral discs are involved in the circulation of blood through the nearby soft tissues. Before getting into the region of the vertebrae, the pathogen can infect the throat, genitourinary system and other human organs. Almost any infection becomes a risky factor. And only then, through the circulatory system, inflammation often spreads to the back. In addition, the infection can get if there is any traumatic effect on the spine.

In a separate risk group are people whose immunity is significantly weakened. Here, any infectious disease threatens to quickly move to the spine.

In some cases, it happens that due to insufficiently sterile instruments and environment, medical errors the inflammatory process begins after surgical operations. The diagnosis is made depending on what type of bacteria caused the inflammation, what are the accompanying symptoms, and what part of the spine is affected. Often, a detailed diagnosis takes a long period of time and a lot of effort by the doctor.

Aseptic inflammation

Aseptic inflammation of the spine occurs if the inflammatory process is not called an infection. In addition to bacteria, there are two types of sources of inflammation: degenerative-dystrophic and autoimmune.

Degenerative-dystrophic

Due to a variety of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs, clamps of the nervous tissue and tissues of other types occur. The bone bodies of the vertebrae begin to wear out due to the fact that the intervertebral discs no longer hold them back from this. The result is inflammation intervertebral disc. Degenerative-dystrophic inflammation occurs for the following reasons:

Improper nutrition and excess weight. If the human body does not get enough of the right substances every day, cartilage can begin to dry out, lose its elastic properties;
Physical tension, sudden movements. If a person constantly sits or vice versa, endures heavy loads and gets tired, the back muscles can no longer withstand, and the vertebrae will compress the intervertebral discs excessively;
Metabolic disorders. If the metabolism has changed, the cartilage tissue may again stop receiving everything. the right substances. This usually occurs later in life, in women often due to hormonal changes during menopause;
traumatic effects. Occurs when a vertebra or intervertebral disc is damaged. violated normal distribution load on the back, and tissue clamps occur.
Curvature of the spine, displacement of the vertebrae. Normally, the vertebrae are located so that they do not affect each other. But if the position of the bone bodies has changed, they can deform each other and nearby tissues, including nervous ones.

Protrusions and hernias - an extreme degree of development of degenerative-dystrophic pathologies cartilage tissue. Normally, the intervertebral disc consists of a soft nucleus pulposus and a dense fibrous ring around. If the pressure of the bone on the cartilage becomes too strong, the disc first bulges (protrusion) and then the annulus fibrosus can rupture and a herniation occurs. When the disc membrane ruptures, the pulp comes out of it and pinches the nerves. Severe inflammation sets in.

It will also be interesting: neurinoma of the spine.

Autoimmune

In autoimmune diseases, the body sends out white blood cells to fight its own cells. For example, in Bechterew's disease (ankylosing spondylitis), the body contains a gene, due to which, after contact with an infection, the cartilaginous tissues of the intervertebral discs begin to seem like an infection to the body. It destroys it, and instead of cartilage tissue grows bone. As a result, the spine ceases to be able to move, and the patient freezes in one position, losing the ability to turn and bend over with the body. The disease is accompanied by an inflammatory process and pain syndrome.

Symptoms

The clinical picture of the pathology will depend to a greater extent on what caused the inflammation, how it proceeds. If this is an infectious inflammation - what kind of pathogen. If aseptic - what nerve roots clamped, which vertebrae are affected, the innervation of which organs and muscle groups is impaired. Infectious pathogens usually start the inflammatory process very quickly. Aseptic inflammations grow more smoothly. But the symptoms are quite similar. Initially, there are such manifestations of the inflammatory focus as pain, loss of sensitivity and mobility.

The pain syndrome is localized both in the place of the deformed vertebra and in those areas that are connected with them through the nervous tissue. It hurts more during moments of movement, especially sharp ones - coughing, sneezing, laughing.

When the nerves are damaged or under pressure, such a symptom as loss of sensitivity becomes frequent, the feeling of “running goosebumps” - the area associated with the damaged spine becomes numb. After the patient has not shown any physical activity for a long time (working while sitting or sleeping), a feeling of stiffness appears in the back, which disappears only if you move for a while.

We advise you to read: why the back is numb

How severe the symptoms will be depends on the source of inflammation and how much it has progressed. The spinal cord is located in the spine, and itself is a place of accumulation of nerve roots, so sometimes it starts to hurt where you don’t expect it. Often, pains in the cervical region radiate to the arms, pains in the thoracic region are mistaken for heart problems, and when the lumbar region is affected, the legs begin to hurt. Sometimes it seems to the patient that there is no connection between such radiating pain and back health. Therefore, with a pronounced pain syndrome, you need to visit a doctor as soon as possible - who will make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Treatment

It is necessary to treat an inflamed spine, taking into account the details of the diagnosis. Any inflammation can result in serious complications. Therefore, only a qualified specialist who will prescribe the appropriate method of treatment can determine the treatment and medications:

Antibiotics - are prescribed if the cause of inflammation is an infection. If it was possible to identify specifically which organism caused the infectious inflammation, specific antibiotics are recommended. If it was not possible to find out, antibiotics are prescribed that act on a large number of known pathogens of the infectious process;
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are used to reduce inflammation and reduce pain. But this treatment is often more symptomatic. Drugs such as Diclofenac and Ibuprofen are popular among the people, but still you can’t completely rely on them if you, without getting the opinion of a doctor, decide that you have inflammation or nerve compression.
Immunosuppressants. If the body directs the forces of immunity itself against itself, modern medicine offers immune suppressants. Thanks to this, it is possible to prevent the active death of healthy cells, but of course, such therapy has a large number of side effects. And the body may be without protection.
Surgical intervention. In diseases such as osteomyelitis, suppuration inside the vertebrae is often pumped out by the surgeon. A herniated disc also requires surgery in most cases. But in general, the surgeon comes into action only if initially there is no way to cure the disease with conservative methods. Or if during long period symptoms persist and treatment without surgical intervention gives no results.

If you feel back pain, you can not make a decision on your own, for example, about compresses or warming ointments. So, in most cases, inflammation cannot be treated with heat in the first two days - and many folk recipes sin with such advice.

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Inflammation of the spine

Inflammation of the spine (spondylitis) is an inflammation of the nerve endings that causes deformation of the plates of the bone marrow of the spine. Spondylitis is divided by doctors into two main types:

specific spondylitis. The basis of the disease is various infections, including tuberculosis.
Nonspecific spondylitis. It can manifest itself in a sick person solely due to Bechterew's disease.

Inflammation of the spine: the main symptoms of the development of the disease

The main symptom, which throughout the course of the disease will bring discomfort to a sick person, is pain in the affected area of the spine. As for the intensity of pain, it can be very diverse. Unpleasant sensations can be slightly palpable. In some cases, the pain may increase to unbearable. Almost always, pain in spondylitis is characterized by aching sensations in the affected area. The pain can become noticeably stronger with any load on the back. It will be difficult for a sick person to perform the most elementary physical exercise(e.g. side bends). This is due to decreased movement in the spine and vertebral department. You should pay attention to the fact that each person's spine has its own physiological curves. During the active development of the disease, all these bends are aligned, which in turn leads to the fact that the sick person has a constant tension in the back and a feeling of fatigue that does not leave. If the disease has a specific appearance, the patient's body temperature may noticeably increase, which flows into the appearance of a feeling of weakness. In some cases, an increase in body temperature may be accompanied by chills and increased drowsiness.

Inflammation may be involved spinal nerves possible progression of numbness skin. Partial or complete loss of sensitivity of some parts of the body is possible. Plus, patients experience muscle spasms.

If a potential patient has all the symptoms that indicate that he may be actively developing spondylitis, he needs to contact a medical institution as soon as possible for diagnosis. He may be assigned general analysis blood. Thanks to this analysis, today it is possible to find out whether there is inflammation in the body. In addition, the patient may be assigned a biochemical blood test. It, like a regular blood test, shows whether there are possible inflammatory processes in the body. But in this case, the diagnosis will be more accurate, and the patient will be able to make the most correct diagnosis, and then, if necessary, prescribe the appropriate treatment for his disease.

With the help of an x-ray of the spine, foci of inflammation can be detected.

In addition to everything, carrying out such a procedure allows the attending physician to accurately determine the size of the focus of inflammation and its exact location. This will provide an opportunity to carry out spot treatment, which affects strictly the focus of inflammation located on the spine. Computed tomography can also be used to determine the development of the disease (or its absence). This method is considered to be the most effective for diagnosing spondylitis. In order for the doctor to be able to find out the exact cause of the disease, the patient is prescribed a biopsy followed by microscopy.

In the course of the study, the attending physician will name the exact cause of the development of spondylitis. Next, a preliminary treatment of disorders in the functioning of the body that caused the development will be prescribed. this disease. And then - the treatment of spondylitis itself.

Treatment of inflammation of the spine can bring an effect only if it is complex. One of the main methods of treatment is the use of specialized drugs. As a rule, for the treatment of an inflamed spine, non-steroidal drugs are most often used, the action of which is aimed at stopping inflammatory processes. In this case, the pain syndrome should be removed, causing the patient discomfort, due to which he cannot lead a relatively full life.

Patients may be prescribed medications:

Solutions. They are prescribed when there is a need to reduce intoxication, as well as to reduce body temperature. Quite often, patients are injected intravenously with a solution of sodium chloride and Ringer's solution.
Antibiotics. As such drugs, the patient can be prescribed drugs such as Ofloxacin, Levofloxacin and others that have an aseptic effect.
Corticosteroids. Thanks to the use of such drugs, the process of spinal recovery is noticeably accelerated. This reduces the swelling of the tissues affected by the disease. The development of the disease is characterized by a deterioration in the metabolic process. The use of corticosteroids normalizes such processes, reducing possible deviations to a minimum.

As a preventive measure for the development of a recurrent disease, a spa treatment can be prescribed to the patient. To do this, he will have to visit a number of doctors to get the appropriate referral to the resort, where he will undergo the necessary treatment for spondylitis. If the disease is more severe, then the patient may be prescribed several medications at once. But this happens quite rarely. An integral part of the treatment of inflammation of the spine is therapeutic physical culture. Daily exercise will help you get your posture back to normal. Physical education actively contributes to the development of the flexibility of the vertebral joints. Thanks to an even posture, the patient has every chance of avoiding possible development various complications, which can be provoked by spondylitis. It is necessary to do therapeutic exercises daily for half an hour. After some time, it will decrease significantly. functional insufficiency joints.

To relieve pain, you should periodically massage your back, after consulting with your doctor. Only a specialist should carry out such a procedure, since, otherwise, the patient's condition can only worsen. Of no small importance in the treatment of inflammation of the spine is the conduct of warm-up procedures. During warming up of damaged muscles or joints, the feeling of pain is significantly reduced. In addition, other symptoms of the disease that the patient may suffer from become less noticeable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKRmxsZlYC4 Warm baths are especially good for the body. In the process of taking a bath, the patient's body relaxes. This helps to reduce the feeling of pain that haunts patients throughout the disease.

In especially severe cases of the development of the disease, the only possible way out is surgical intervention.

Symptoms and treatment of inflammation of the spine

Inflammation of the spine - this concept contains wide range diseases. Each of these pathological processes has its own risk factors, causes of development, and diagnostic features. Based on these data, it seems possible to prescribe an adequate phased treatment.

Definition

Spondylitis is an inflammatory disease of the spinal column, which is characterized by primary destruction of the vertebral bodies and leads to spinal deformity. According to etiology, it happens:

specific (tuberculosis of the spine, syphilis, brucellosis, psoriasis);
nonspecific (secondary hematogenous spondylitis);
rheumatological (Bechterew's disease and others systemic diseases connective tissue);
aseptic (trauma) nature.

Can be affected cervical, thoracic, lumbosacral.

hypothermia;
spinal injury;
genetic predisposition;
deficiency of components of the immune system;
the presence of foci of chronic infection.

These factors can serve as an additional starting point for the development of any of the listed spondyloarthritis. The most common variants: tuberculous, with Bechterew's disease, it is also ankylosing spondylitis, aseptic and bacterial.

Symptoms

Inflammation of the spine, the symptoms of which are diverse, will be discussed below. It is quite difficult to distinguish it from osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, lumbosacral sciatica and other diseases of the spinal column.

For all inflammatory processes in the spine, common signs can be distinguished. At first, patients complain of the appearance of pain in the affected area. The pain is of varying intensity, often aching in nature. It, as a rule, worries the patient constantly and intensifies with increasing intensity of physical activity. An exception would be hematogenous or purulent spondylitis, in which the pain can be acute, its intensity will increase over time, as purulent inflammation passes to the surrounding tissues.

Another constantly progressive symptom will be the restriction of mobility of the spinal column, especially the lumbosacral region. Patients complain that they can no longer make movements, tilts, turns with the same amplitude. The smoothing of physiological curves, as a result of prolonged inflammation, leads to a feeling of constant fatigue in the back.

As with osteochondrosis, spinal nerves can be involved in the process, and inflammation of the roots occurs, which leads to the appearance of neurological symptoms:

paresthesia, tingling sensation, crawling on the skin;
complete loss of sensation;
paresis or paralysis;
vegetative nervous system(similar to the clinic of thoracic osteochondrosis);
violation of muscle tone.

With specific and nonspecific spondylitis, body temperature rises, patients quickly get tired, complain of a headache, the skin in the affected area turns red, and swelling may appear. With osteochondrosis, this will not happen. If you delay in seeking medical help, a septic condition and further death may develop.

Osteochondrosis stands alone. This is a degenerative-destructive process and is the result of a violation of the metabolism of cartilage tissue. The defeat of the lumbosacral spine is more common in this pathology. The sacrum itself or isolated chest is rarely affected.

Bechterew's disease or ankylosing spondylitis

It belongs to the group of rheumatic diseases. The main risk factor is the presence of the HLA B27 antigen in a person. This disease most often affects men at a young age. The reason for its development is a violation of the immune system and, as a result, an autoimmune reaction develops and the body perceives its cells as foreign. Pathology covers the joint capsules and tendons along with the ligaments that are nearby. In most cases, the sacroiliac joints and the intervertebral joint are affected. All this leads to the previously described symptoms, as well as an increase in body temperature, fatigue.

tuberculous

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Koch's bacillus) is the causative agent of the disease. The primary place where the inflammatory process occurs in tuberculosis is the lungs. Then, by the blood flow, mycobacteria are carried to absolutely all organs and systems, including the vertebral bodies. After entering the vertebra, Koch's wand grows and multiplies, gradually melting the vertebral bodies. This may take up to two years. After the vertebra melts, the infection causes inflammation of the intervertebral disc, an abscess (a cavity that contains pus) forms in its place, and then the bodies of the following vertebrae are covered. Tuberculous spondylitis with a typical lesion of the vertebrae is most often observed in children.

Aseptic

In this case, sterile (there are no pathological microorganisms in the affected area) inflammation occurs. Aseptic inflammation of the spine is observed with injuries. It is erroneous to assert that aseptic (sterile) inflammation of the spine is an inflammation of osteochondrosis. With osteochondrosis, there is no inflammation.

Diagnostics

When diagnosing the causes of spondylitis, it is very important to follow a staged and integrated approach. You should start with an objective examination and general clinical studies (general blood and urine tests), perform a biochemical blood test, acute phase parameters, rheumatological group, creatinine, urea. It is possible to determine the HLA B27 antigen in the body. This will greatly help to distinguish the possible causes of the disease and to exclude osteochondrosis of the thoracic and lumbosacral regions.

Then perform an x-ray of the disturbing spine in two projections for visibility and to get an idea of the extent of the lesion. There are various functional tests with flexion and extension of the spine. Subject to satisfactory health, the test should be carried out sitting, in a horizontal position, standing.

If the x-ray picture is not clear enough, either magnetic resonance imaging or multispiral imaging is performed. computed tomography. If a systemic process is detected, it is necessary to examine other organs.

Treatment of inflammatory diseases of the spine

Treatment inflammatory diseases combined and multifaceted, combines:

special motor regimen and diet;
drug therapy (etiological, pathogenetic, symptomatic);
physiotherapeutic methods of treatment ( physiotherapy, thermotherapy, therapeutic baths, massage, phonophoresis).

Etiological treatment

The first and most important stage is etiological therapy. Its task is to destroy the specific pathogen that caused the disease. The etiological treatment of spondylitis of tuberculous, gonorrheal, syphilitic, brucellosis nature, as well as secondary nonspecific bacterial spondylitis are antibacterial drugs different groups (the specific drug depends on the cause).

With fungal etiology, antibiotics are not prescribed, treat antifungal agents such as itraconazole. With osteochondrosis, psoriatic variant, Bechterew's disease and aseptic case etiological treatment does not exist.

Pathogenetic therapy

Its task is to destroy the chain of pathological reactions, to resolve the issue of how to relieve inflammation, it does not affect the pathogen. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have such properties. For example, Diclofenac, Revmoxicam and others, they are able to reduce inflammatory response organism, their side effect is that they are able to cause erosion, ulcers of the gastric mucosa.

In more severe cases, hormones (corticosteroids) are used, they have a more powerful anti-inflammatory effect, suppress the immune system and are widely used in the case of autoimmune diseases (Bekhterev's disease, Psoriasis). However, they have a large number of side effects: they increase blood pressure, blood sugar, contribute to the formation of ulcers in the digestive tract, and others.

This type of therapy, as a rule, is used both in the treatment of all spondylitis and in osteochondrosis.

Symptomatic therapy

The goal is to alleviate the condition, relieve specific symptoms. In this case, painkillers are used (Ibuprofen, Ketanov). The second goal is to correct side effects other drugs the patient is taking. The use of this therapy improves the quality of life of the patient, partially or completely preserves the ability to work. Symptomatic therapy is always used in the treatment of any disease.

Physiotherapy methods

Massage can improve blood circulation, improve metabolic processes contributes to the improvement of the patient's condition. Phonophoresis removes swelling of tissues, normalizing their work. Therapeutic baths cause muscle relaxation, which relieves pain.

Therapeutic exercises and optimization of the motor regimen will help improve the quality of life and increase pain threshold. With thermotherapy, there is an improvement in blood circulation and, as a result, a decrease in pain and an improvement in the condition.

Conclusion

There are a lot of causes of inflammation of the cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral spine and it is necessary to correctly diagnose and start treatment. Self-medication can harm health and cause irreversible changes. To diagnose and treat the disease, you need to consult a doctor!

Back problems and their symptoms

Back pain occurs in almost every person throughout life. And if for some the symptoms do not cause discomfort to a person, then for some, this or that back disease can cause numbness of the limbs and even deformation of the bone tissues of the spine, which ultimately ends in great complications.

The spine is a structure that consists of vertebrae. The latter, in turn, are interconnected by disks. They are responsible for cushioning and protecting the vertebrae from injury and wear. And if the vertebra is a bone formation, then the disc is a cartilaginous connection. The division of the spine is determined by 5 departments:

Most often, back diseases spread to the departments cervical area and lower back, as the load that falls on them is more increased.

Symptoms

The most common complaint people go to the doctor with is pain. Moreover, painful symptoms tend to radiate to different parts of the body, and in some cases in no way indicate the origin of the disease:

in the lumbar region;
in the cervical region;
drawing pain in the legs;
tingling between the shoulder blades;
numbness of the limbs (arms and legs);
cutting and sharp pain in the chest or region of the heart.

Among other signs that can be observed in the occurrence of diseases of the back are present:

tinnitus, dizziness, migraine;
labored breathing;
kidney problems;
violation of potency;
change in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Painful manifestations can have different strengths from arising sharply and acutely to long-lasting pulling. The frequency of symptoms of back pain can be classified as follows:

lumbar pain - often their occurrence occurs after a night's sleep or a long stay in one position. In this case, it is important to pay attention to the prevention of a herniated disc. Lower back pain is more common in people young age after 20 and up to 30 years;
when pain radiates to the leg or there are signs of numbness of the limb, as well as when walking a person accompanies pain - this indicates intervertebral hernia advanced form and treatment must be carried out urgently;
pain in the shoulder blades (sometimes they say “the back became a stake”) - these are symptoms of osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine;
tingling in the region of the heart or chest definitely indicates intercostal neuralgia or thoracalgia;
if walking causes pain in the foot, then in this case we can talk about pathologies of the lumbar spine;
numbness of the hands and feet, fingers - these are signs that accompany protrusions, hernia of the vertebrae, osteochondrosis. These pathologies are treated with success, the main thing is to pay attention to the problem in time.

The normal functioning of each of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs determines the stable operation of the spinal column as a whole. However, over time or under the influence of other factors (trauma, inflammation, congenital pathologies, infectious diseases) the spine is exposed various kinds diseases, with deformative changes, soreness and impaired motor functions. There are a lot of such diseases of the back, but the most common of them are:

osteochondrosis;
disc protrusion;
facet joint syndrome;
spinal canal stenosis;
herniated disc;
radiculitis;
osteoporosis;
spondylosis;
spondylolisthesis;
spondylolysis;
myelopathy;
cauda equina syndrome and others.

Back pain can also be attributed to pathological deformities spinal column scoliosis, hyperlordosis and hyperkyphosis. Deviations can be caused genetic factor or congenital, as well as acquired due to injury or for another reason.

Injuries, and most often fractures of the spinal column, are also referred to as diseases of the back. Fractures happen with force different circumstances, among them are:

compression - this species fracture can occur under the influence of wear and tear of the vertebrae, even from severe cough and often it occurs in older people;
explosive - very dangerous, so in case of a fracture, the vertebrae can break up into several fragments, this happens when falling from a height or accidents.

A separate type of back disease can be distinguished various tumors- benign and malignant etiology, the metastatic nature of which also leads to the destruction of the vertebrae.

Causes

In addition to traumatizing the spinal column, common causes of back diseases are:

transferred colds;
muscle strain in the lumbar region (this happens especially often with athletes who start training without “warm-up” exercises);
displacement of the intervertebral discs (due to strong physical exertion, weight lifting);
overweight - fatty deposits put very strong pressure on the vertebrae, ligaments and muscles, especially in the lumbar region;
a sharp increase in physical activity, tumors or injuries (lead to infringement and subsequently squeezing of nerve endings);
infectious diseases (cause inflammation, and then the destruction of the cartilaginous tissues of the intervertebral discs);
diseases of the pelvic organs and kidneys and others internal violations in organism.

Diagnostics

Periodically occurring symptoms in the back area or their prolonged course is a reason to visit a neurologist. It is with the examination of this specialist that the identification of the causes of back pain begins.

In order to determine the exact causes and type of disease, it is necessary to undergo a series of examinations:

magnetic resonance imaging - helps to identify the focus and factors disease state In most cases;
radiography - unlike MRI, this type of study helps to detect the exact location of the injury and only some of the diseases of the back;
electromyography - it is performed when there is a suspicion of narrowing of the vertebral canal, as well as with myelopathy of the spinal cord.

Treatment

Treatment for back pain is often non-pharmacological, as pills and other medicines can only affect soreness, reducing or eliminating it altogether. However, in the future, such insufficient treatment leads to the fact that the pathology becomes chronic, with frequent relapses, or even leads to disability.

The treatment is based on a set of procedures that can influence the cause of back pain:

laser therapy;
manual sparing manipulations;
vacuum therapy;
acupuncture;
pharmacopuncture;
traction;
electrical stimulation;
magnetopuncture and other methods.

The usual course is from 10 to 15 sessions according to a specific schedule (as prescribed by a doctor). With severe acute symptoms, treatment sessions are prescribed daily.

Alternative methods for diseases of the back are also used, but they cannot have the desired effect on the cause, but only help relieve symptoms - pain, swelling, redness in the focal area.

Prevention

To avoid the manifestations of back diseases, it is necessary to adhere to certain rules that maintain the spine in a healthy state:

follow up correct posture(both in a sitting position and when walking);
do not lift heavy things sharply (lift with a straight back, sitting down at the beginning);
for sleep, choose a comfortable orthopedic surface (semi-rigid), which will support the spine in the correct position;
do not step over colds on the "legs", as well as monitor your diet - do not overeat and do not get carried away with junk food;
regularly perform moderate gymnastic exercises or go to the pool, walk more often, especially stairs.

It is impossible to 100% protect ourselves from a back injury or the occurrence of another problem in this area, however, maintaining our health in order and performing simple but regular physical exercises, we thereby strengthen the spinal column and protect the vertebrae and intervertebral discs from rapid wear.

Types and factors of development of inflammation of the spine

Inflammation is a common symptom in modern medical practice. One of the most dangerous species inflammatory process is inflammation of the spine, as it carries a huge potential harm health. It is fixed in a number of different diseases: it can be observed as in minor damage skin, and in pathologies of bone tissue. This is a natural reaction of the body to various pathological disorders in tissues and internal organs, as well as to the penetration of pathogens.

The spine is the central node of the distribution of nerve endings and the location of the bone marrow. Any pathological change will adversely affect not only the structure of the spinal column itself, but also the work of internal organs. Eg, chronic inflammation the cervical spine negatively affects the work of the heart and creates the likelihood of developing a stroke. The inflammatory process may be of an infectious nature or develop due to degenerative-dystrophic or autoimmune factors.

Inflammatory processes in the spine occur as a result of infection of the body with various microorganisms that penetrate the bloodstream into the bone marrow or directly into the spinal column. The source of infection can be localized in various parts of the body, including the respiratory organs (lungs), the genitourinary system (prostate gland, bladder).

Inflammation of the spine - types and features

This group of diseases includes spondylitis, osteomyelitis, and Bechterew's disease, called ankylosing spondylitis. The most commonly diagnosed is spondylitis, which is differentiated as specific and nonspecific. However, the spinal column also affects osteomyelitis.

To the types of specific spondylitis refers to tuberculous spondylitis, less often - typhoid, gonorrheal, syphilitic, actinomycotic and brucellous spondylitis, the name of each of which is directly related to the primary source of the lesion. Rheumatoid, and in some cases hematogenous purulent spondylitis is considered nonspecific.

Osteomyelitis develops as a result of damage to the bone marrow and the penetration of infection by the hematogenous route, or by direct penetration into the bone tissue from the lesion. Osteomyelitis has bacterial nature, although viruses and fungi are often the causative agent.

The most severe form of damage is considered to be purulent osteoarthritis or spondylitis, which develops as a result of ingestion of staphylococcus or streptococcus - pyogenic bacteria. In this case, the inflammatory process affects all structures of bone tissue.

Inflammation of the spine - a clinical picture

The disease occurs in men of any age category, but more often at the age of 20-23 years, and proceeds imperceptibly, in the early stages it is almost asymptomatic, therefore it belongs to the category of insidious and hidden diseases.

Spondylitis is accompanied by limited mobility and severe pain in the affected area, as there is a partial destruction of bone tissue. The consequence of this lesion is compression of the bone marrow and nerve endings, and subsequently - a violation of the innervation of adjacent organs.

The inflammatory process, which at the beginning of the disease affected only one vertebra, gradually spreads to neighboring areas and surrounding tissues. Untimely access to a doctor or lack of adequate treatment can lead to extremely grave consequences, as well as loss of motor activity and disability.

A special form of spondylitis is ankylosing spondylitis, which Bekhterev described in detail. A feature of this disease is the limitation of mobility due to the gradual fusion of the bones of the spinal column with each other. This comes from the fact that the affected bone gradually dissolves, and the body compensates for this pathology by producing cartilaginous tissue, which connects the individual vertebrae into a single whole.

As a rule, the inflammatory process develops in the region of the lumbosacral joints, and gradually spreads upward, affecting the thoracic, and later the cervical spine. The pain syndrome becomes pronounced and constant in the distribution area (thoracic and cervical regions), and is able to weaken only after taking medications.

Inflammation of the spine is accompanied by a limitation of mobility not only in the spinal column itself, but also in the joints that are connected to it. In particular, these are the temporomandibular, shoulder, and hip joints. Often there is difficulty in breathing, there is a slight swelling of the limbs.